P2119

Throttle Actuator A Control Throttle Body Range/Performance

Throttle / air metering Generic OBD-II High

What it means

P2119 means the electronic throttle body isn't opening or closing the way the ECM commands — the actual throttle position is out of its expected range. Because the computer controls the throttle directly, it often responds by cutting power and entering a limp mode. The usual culprits are carbon buildup in the throttle bore or a failing throttle body, rather than the engine itself.

High

Can I keep driving? Often forces a reduced-power limp mode with sharply limited acceleration — drive gently and get it repaired promptly, as merging and climbing can be unsafe.

Real-world scan data

Seen in

2,363

scans in the past year

Found in

0.4%

of scans

0.7%

of scans that found faults

Appears alongside · share of P2119 scans

P0420in 43.2% of scans

P0136in 35.0% of scans

P0302in 34.1% of scans

Figures reflect only diagnostic scans recorded through our own apps and tools. Cars are typically scanned because a symptom or warning light prompted it, so these counts describe our scan records — not the incidence of faults in any model, and not the quality, reliability, or safety of any vehicle. No comparison between manufacturers or models is implied. All trademarks belong to their respective owners; no affiliation or endorsement is implied.

Common symptoms

What you'll notice

Check-engine light on
Reduced power / forced limp (failsafe) mode
Rough, surging, or unstable idle
Poor or delayed throttle response
Occasional hard starting or stalling

Common causes

Most likely first

Carbon-filled or dirty throttle bore restricting the throttle plateLikely
Faulty throttle body / throttle actuator or its position sensorCommon
Open or shorted wiring in the throttle body circuitCommon
Poor or corroded connector at the throttle bodyLess often
Faulty engine control module (ECM) — rareLess often

How to diagnose & fix

Work through it in order

Read freeze-frame data, then inspect and clean the throttle bore and plate — carbon buildup is the most common cause of a range/performance fault.
Check the throttle body connector for a steady 5-volt reference and a good ground, key on.
Inspect the wiring and connector for damage, corrosion, or loose pins.
If the actuator or its feedback is still out of range, replace the throttle body and perform the throttle relearn.

FAQ

Quick answers

Is it safe to drive with P2119?+

Only cautiously and briefly. This code commonly triggers limp mode with severely reduced power, which makes merging and hill climbs risky — get it fixed promptly.

Can I just clear P2119?+

Clearing it won't help if the throttle body is dirty or failing; the code returns quickly. Cleaning the throttle and relearning idle is often what actually resolves it.

Read & clear P2119 yourself

Scan your car, confirm the code, and clear it once it's fixed — with OBD DashX on your phone.

▶ Get it on Google Play

✓ Verified name — SAE J2012 / ISO 15031-6Guidance reviewed by OBD DashX